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BAIQILIAR
INDIAN BLOWERS.

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20$08:

WT? COLQU RED’ PLATES.

BY

‘ LENA LOWIS.

On either side,
s All round about the fragrant marge,
: * * * * Fastern flowers large,
Some dropping low their crimson bells,
Half closed, and others studded wide
* With disks and tears,
% * * * =

Thence thro’ the garden I was drawn—
A realm of pleasance, many a mound,
* And many a shadow-chequered lawn
5 Full of the city’s stilly sound,
. bexeshs And deep myrrh-thickets blowing round
The stately cedar, tamarisks,
Thick rosaries of scented thorn,
Tall Orient shrubs.
Recollections of the Arabian Nights. TENNYSON.
¥
£>

Ya Ei Sita. Hall. ——— Copyright.

LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY
L. REEVE AND CO., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
CALCUTTA: THACKER, SPINK AND CO.
oA. BOMBAY: THACKER AND CO. (LIMITED).

LONDON:
M. & N. HANHART,

LITHOGRAPHERS.

ERRATUM.

Piate No. XI.

For CLERODENDRON INERME vead CLERODENDRON THOMSONES.

size-anu-massiveness OF tne originals; Dut it has been impossible to
rectify this without adding considerably to the cost of the book, and

thereby making a more pretentious volume than this claims to be.

It is unnecessary to enumerate here the names of authors whose

books have been consulted, as they are appended to the quotations.

Notwithstanding its numerous shortcomings, the Author hopes the
book may be valued by old Indians, who have, perhaps, spent many
happy leisure hours in the culture of these lovely plants, and also by
those aio delight to hear of the works of the Creator in all regions

and in all climes.

Chota Nagpore, 1878.

LONDON:
M. & N. HANHART,

LITHOGRAPHERS.

a

a Manual of Gardening or a Treatise on Botany, but are a

simple chronicle of some of the familiar flowers to be met

with in our Indian gardens.

To many who have seen the flowers, the plates may
appear meagre and unsatisfactory, conveying but a poor idea of the
size and massiveness of the originals; but it has been impossible to
rectify this without adding considerably to the cost of the book, and

thereby making a more pretentious volume than this claims to be.

It is unnecessary to enumerate here the names of authors whose

books have been consulted, as they are appended to the quotations.

Notwithstanding its numerous shortcomings, the Author hopes the
book may be valued by old Indians, who have, perhaps, spent many
happy leisure hours in the culture of these lovely plants, and also by
those who delight to hear of the works of the Creator in all regions

and in all climes.

Chota Nagpore, 1878.

Poe eae
LAGERSTROMIA INDICA. XV.
Mussa@:npA MACROPHYLLA. XVI.
PLumBaGo CAPENsISs. XVII.
RussELia JUNCEA. XVIII.
PoINCcIANA PULCHERRIMA. XIX.
PETR#HA STAPELIA. XX.
CALISTEMON LINEARIS. OG
Hipiscus Rosa LINENSIs. XXII.
TrEcoMA JASMINOIDES. O: G00

a VELUTINA. XXIV.
CuiToRIA TERNATEA. XXV.
CLERODENDRON THOMSONES. XVI.
THEVETIA NEREIFOLIA. XXVII.
DurRANTA PLUMIERI. | XXVIII.
QuisquaLis INDICA. XXIX

Acacia FARNESIANA.
THUNBERGIA LAURIFOLIA.
PoINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA.
CoNVOLVULUS PENTANTHUS.
NeEriIuM Oporum.
GLORIOSA SUPERBA.
BouGAINVILLIA GLABRA.
BauHIniA ACUMINATA.
ArGYREIA .NERVOSA.
EuPHoRBIA BojeErt.
BIGNoNIA VENUSTA.
BARLERIA CRISTATA.
QuamocLiT PENNATUM.
OpunTIA VULGARIS.

. BEAUMONTIA GRANDIFLORA.

XXX. JaTRopHaA MULTIFIDA.

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LAGERSTRCEMIA INDICA.

NATURAL ORDER, LYTHRACE#.

NereqA|UE illustration now before us exhibits one, perhaps, of the most
: | familiar and most admired of Indian shrubs.
It has been impossible to do justice, either to the exquisite
=) colour or delicate texture of the original, and also, being limited
in space, the grand massiveness of the sprays is wanting, but, nevertheless,
I trust the foregoing illustration may recall the lovely bush to the memory
of those who have seen it, and give a fair idea of it to those who have not
been so fortunate.

Owing to the crinkled, crumpled appearance of the flowers, this bush
has obtained the name of the ‘‘ Crape Flower.”

Three varieties of the Lagerstreemia are much the same in growth
and shape of the flowers, but they differ in colour, being pink, lilac, and
white. They are all very beautiful, and, when growing in close proximity,
make a gay and striking addition to a garden.

From the illustration it will be noticed that the flowers grow in
pyramidic heads or sprays quite at the termination of the branches,
whilst the leaves, which are oval-shaped, grow thick and close in the
centre of the bush, thereby relieving the dazzling colours, and yet at the
same time greatly enhancing by contrast the general beauty of the bush.

There is a slight resemblance between the Lagerstreemia and our.

English May in growth and style of the bushes, but it does not extend
beyond these.

There is a tinge of red on the buds and stalks.

During the cold season these shrubs present a most ugly and forlorn
appearance, for, being deciduous, there is nothing to be seen but the bare
and barren stems, which form a great contrast to the glory and splendour
of a few months before.

Beddome mentions that the wood of the Lagerstreemia is valued as
excellent timber, and ‘‘ much used for building, boat-making, ploughs, and
axe-handles.” He also states that ‘‘ Lagerstreemia Regina has timber of a
reddish colour, is tough, and very durable under water, though it soon
decays under ground.” Quoting from the same authority, I find that in
the Madras gun-carriage manufactory this wood is found most serviceable.

From Dr. Brandis, who writes from Burmah, we learn that, with the
exception of teak, these trees are considered the most valuable and most
useful of all timbers for a variety of purposes.

The season at which the Lagerstreemias are at the height of their
beauty is during the rains, and it is much to be regretted that, owing to
the delicate, fragile arrangement of the petals, their loveliness is but of
short duration, for the rain very soon batters and spoils the flowers.

With the exception of the usefulness of its wood the Lagerstroemia
has no other merits for utility, nor has it any medicinal properties.

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LenaLowis del DBlairisth,

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MUSSGNDA®MACROPREVWEI”:

NATURAL ORDER, CINCHONACE.

ay |HE subject of this illustration belongs to a genus of rather
large shrubs, with heavy dense foliage, of oval-shaped, deep,
Ss5| dull green leaves.

There is very little difference between the species; they blossom
during the hot and rainy seasons, and bear numerous corymbs of
bright, star-formed orange-coloured flowers.

The hairy white leaves which constitute the principal ornament
of the plants are developed from the calyxes of one or two flowers
in each corymb; they make a pleasing contrast to the dull and
sombre green leaves.

The orange flowers are bright and dazzling, but they are small,
and, were it not for the white or cream-coloured leaves, this bush
would not be much sought for as an ornament to our gardens.

If left unchecked, the Musscenda becomes very straggling and
scandent in its growth, reaching at times over large mango trees,
where its creamy leaves and bright flowers are seen to great advantage
amongst the shining glossy foliage of the mango.

During the rains its growth is very rapid, and it spreads consider-
ably, forming quite a jungle of any shrubbery or plantation; it is
therefore necessary to prune it well in the cold season when it has
shed its leaves.

Ferminger mentions that it seeds abundantly, but this is not the
case all over India. I have never been able to get any, nor have I
noticed young self-sown plants. It takes easily from cuttings, which
is the usual mode of propagation.

Roxburgh remarks that ‘‘in some parts of India the white floral
leaves are brought to table as an excellent herb.”

It is a very woody, hard-limbed shrub, a native of India, and
occasionally found in a wild state in the jungle.

The flowers generally grow in pairs, the stems and calyxes being
covered with small fine hairs; the star-like flowers surmount a long
narrow tube of a pale yellow colour.

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PLUMBAGO GAbENSIs:

NATURAL ORDER, PLUMBAGINACE#.

aq-*|UR present subject is a shrub of prostrate growth, about three or
7=| four feet high.

The foliage is arranged in a succession of whorls of
fancentyte leaves from half an inch to two inches long, by no means
attractive either in shape or colour.

From its untidy, straggling appearance this shrub is not ornamental
or pleasing in its growth, and would hardly deserve a place in the garden
were it not for its beautiful heads of azure-blue flowers.

The profusion of these lovely blue flowers is the beauty of the plant,
and make up in a great measure for its otherwise unattractive appearance.

The Plumbago is a very familiar shrub in all parts of India, and
seems to have no favourite locality, but thrives well in all districts.

During the hot weather it may be seen in its greatest perfection, but
a few stray heads of blossom may be found at all times of the year.

The form and arrangement of the flowers have aptly been described
by Ferminger and others as similar to the Phlox.

The soft mossy look of the buds and calyxes is a great addition to
the prettiness of these flowers.

In addition to the present subject there are three varieties of the
Plumbago, viz., ‘‘Plumbago Larpente,” ‘‘ Plumbago Rosea,” and “ Plum-
bago Zeylanica.” The first of these three is a native of China, and,
according to Ferminger, does not thrive in India; the flowers are a deeper
blue and larger in size than the subject of our illustration, but otherwise
there is a great resemblance between them.

‘“Plumbago Rosea,” as the name suggests, has reddish flowers ;
they are borne on a spiral head, and blossom in the cold weather. This
variety, however, is more delicate and difficult to cultivate than the fore-
going.

Ferminger makes the following remarks regarding ‘“Plumbago Zey-
lanica”: ‘“‘A small, slender, and not very pleasing shrub, bearing at all
seasons racemes of small, white, sparkling flowers, very clammy and
disagreeable to the touch.” This variety is more uncommon than the
preceding ones, owing perhaps to its being less showy and attractive.

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Lena lowie del D Blair lith Hanha my

RUSSELIA JUNCEA.

NATURAL ORDER, SCROPHULARIACE.

varieties of this plant met with in India. The ‘ Russelia

Juncea,” which is depicted in the opposite plate, is certainly

=I the most common, and becomes almost a weed during the

rains, when every portion that touches the ground takes root, thereby
considerably extending and increasing the size of the original bush.

It is an extremely handsome plant, being of a bushy appearance
with tubular bright scarlet flowers, which grow in great profusion on
its rush-like stems.

The flowers vary in length from half an inch to an inch, and have
a sort of open lip at the termination.

The general appearance is very pleasing, as there are no harsh
or angular stems or stalks to offend the eye; but the whole bush looks
like a graceful feathery mass of a bright green hue, spangled over with
the above-named brilliant tube-like flowers.

It is necessary to prune this bush well when not in blossom, or it
soon gets beyond bounds.

It is propagated either by division of roots or by layers, which, as
before remarked, take most easily.

This plant is often grown in hothouses in England, but its treat-
ment there is totally different, and would never answer in this hot
climate. It is usually placed in hanging baskets, from which it droops
in a picturesque manner; but this treatment would be unsuccessful in
India from want of sufficient moisture and depth of earth for the roots.

It is a peculiarity about this plant worthy of remark that it has
no green leaves of any size or importance; the entire bush, which is
about three or four feet high, consists of green reed-like stems upon
which the flowers grow.

I have never been able to obtain seeds from the Russelia, though
I often watched for the seed capsules to form; but it was only curiosity
that prompted me to do so, as propagation is so easy in other ways.
From its light and feathery appearance this plant is a great addition
to a bouquet, especially when the flowers are out in perfection.

It is a hardy plant on the whole and will grow in almost any soil,
but is much improved by irrigation.

It requires a good deal of water, but if allowed to lodge or rest
among the roots they very soon rot and the plant is destroyed.

‘“Russelia Floribunda,” the second variety, bears very little resem-
blance to the foregoing plant; the flowers are the same colour and
shape, but are borne in crowded bunches along and at the head of every
stem. This variety is also more constantly in ‘blossom.

If grown in pots these plants must be often taken up anna the roots
divided ; but they are much more suited to a border or shrubbery where
there is ‘space to show off their handsome feathery appearance.

LenaLowis del. DBlair lith

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POINCIANA PULCHERRIMA.
BARBADOES PRIDE.
NATURAL ORDER, LEGUMINOS#.

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AIH E foliage of the plant now before us is, perhaps, as ornamental
as the flowers.

From the illustration it will be seen that the leaves are
oblong leaflets, set in pairs up a thin stem. When seen in
a mass, especially when waving in a breeze, these leaves look very
graceful and elegant.

This shrub is in blossom during the hot and rainy seasons; it bears. _
panicles of bright yellow, or red and yellow flowers, which are in great
profusion at the ends of the stems.

The brilliant and gaudy effect may readily be imagined.

There are two varieties, one having pure yellow flowers, and the
other yellow marked with red, as depicted i in the plate before us.

The buds before expanding are like small round balls at the end ~
of their stalks, about two inches long.

According to the advice given by Ferminger, fresh plants should be
raised from seed every year; but my experience does not corroborate
this, as a year would hardly allow the shrubs to attain their full
perfection.

I find also, from the above authority, that this shrub cannot stand
extreme cold, but attains greater perfection in hot climates.

When kept low and thick these shrubs make a capital hedge, from .
which fact I imagine it is occasionally called ‘‘ Barbadoes Flower
Fence,” but when treated in this manner the handsome look of the bush
is completely spoilt.

For useful and medicinal purposes this plant is singularly valuable.
Major Drury states ‘that a decoction is made by the natives of the West
Indies of the leaves and flowers, which is serviceable in fevers,” and the
roots and seeds are also used in pharmacy. The wood makes very good
charcoal. ;

The height of the bush is about seven or eight feet; when first
expanding the leaves are of a bright, light green. They have been
very appropriately compared ‘‘to numerous fans floating and waving in
the air.”

Great care is required in the treatment of young plants. They
grow well from seed, but when a few inches high they cannot bear too
much heat or too much rain, and also are often killed by the ravages
of white ants.

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NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACE#.

JHE plant now under consideration is a native of South America,

and is not generally met with; in India it is considered a rare
object, but it deserves a place in every garden and repays any
trouble that may be taken in its culture.

The lovely, blue, starlike sprays of blossom remind one at a distance
of the English creeper named ‘ Wisteria,” though the actual form of
- the separate flowers is totally different.

When not in blossom there is nothing pleasing or attractive in
the ‘‘ Petrea,” for the leaves are small and very dry-looking, while the
stems are bare and have a barren ugly appearance.

It is an extensively scandent shrub, requiring a strong framework
as a support; the trunk often attaining to the size of a man’s leg,

It blossoms twice in the year, in February and October, but the
former is when the flowers show to the best advantage and the shrub
is at its greatest beauty; at that time a more enchanting object the
eye could hardly rest upon.

The mass of colour and graceful drooping heads of blossom are
most fascinating.

The dark* plum-coloured centre adds considerably to the general
beauty of the flower; it is raised from the five blue petals, and is the
first to wither and fade.

The seed capsules are in the centre of the flower, consequently, when
ripe, they drop with the petals, and are not left on the plant as is usually
the case.

Plants have been raised by seed, but I always found cuttings by
far the most satisfactory, though layers also are successful.

Occasionally young shoots appear from the parent shrub.

It remains in blossom some time, and is one of the choicest Flora

that adorn our gardens.

Lenalowis del D Bla lith

Hanhart imp

PETR#A STAPELIA

CALISTEMON LINEAKTS.

NATURAL ORDER, MYRTACE#.

Z=2,. may be disputed whether the above name is the proper one
| for this plant, but after careful study of various books it seems
to me without doubt to be correct, especially as I find it is the
name by which people generally know the plant. .

Don writes of this genus as follows: ‘All small trees worthy of
cultivation, from the neatness of their foliage and beauty of their
blossoms, especially those with splendid flowers of crimson and white.”

On close observation this species will be found to have tiny white
flowers, the crimson tint being given by the clusters of final elongated
stamens, tipped with black.

The effect of these long brilliant stamens is aptly described by
Ferminger ‘‘as numerous tufts of bottle-brush crimson flowers.”

It is a woody, low-growing bush or tree, very pretty when covered
with the soft crimson ball-like tufts of blossom.

The buds are small green knob-like balls, and it is peculiar to see
them when half expanded, as a few flowers open producing their stamens,
while the remainder of the bud is still greenish-brown. I have endea-
voured to give this strange look in the picture.

When withering the blossoms look deplorable, as they do not drop
off, but the faded stamens lie dejected on the stalk, turning black and
brown.

The under side of the leaves is a light, pale yellow, while the upper
is dark green, rather shining. The foliage is described by Ferminger
as ‘* willow-like.”

The seed pods protrude also in a cluster, but I found layers took
well and were the best mode of propagation.

The roots spread far under the surface; consequently it is a
hazardous undertaking to try transplanting these bushes.

They are of very slow growth, and require little or no pruning.

The beauty of each head only lasts one day, the tender stamens
withering at sunset.

I should certainly recommend this shrub to all anxious to have
ornamental and curious flowers in their gardens.

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HIBISCUS ROSA LINENSIS.

NATURAL ORDER, MALVACEZ#.

r@|f would be quite beyond the scope of a superficial work of this
kind to depict or even enumerate the numerous plants in this
genus. They are so associated with India and so well known
to all who have lived there that one specimen will recall the others.

The single variety given in the plate is the one most frequently met
with ; and the gay, cheerful appearance of the bushes, when covered with
blossom, may be imagined from the one flower before us.

Common as these plants may be, especially the single varieties, it
would be difficult to find more ornamental and showy-looking plants.

The Hibiscus is of the same order as the English Hollyhock, and
there is a great resemblance between the flowers of some of the varieties
and the much-loved Hollyhock of our English borders; in growth, how-
ever, they differ considerably, the Hibiscus being a thick, woody bush.

Roxburgh mentions that the Double Hibiscus is only found in a
cultivated state, while the single variety is found wild in Central India.
He also tells us ‘“‘that the English name is ‘ Shoe Plant,’ on account of
the juice from the petals of the flowers being used for blacking shoes.”
I have also heard it stated that the native women dye their hair and eye-

brows with the same juice.

‘« In China,” writes Major Drury, ‘‘they make these handsome flowers
into garlands and festoons on all occasions of festivities, and even in their
sepulchral rites.”

The leaves are used medicinally, and are said to be very powerful in
checking certain diseases.

During the rains the Hibiscus is at its greatest perfection, and many
of the flowers would then measure six or eight inches in circumference.
They fade very quickly if cut. When several of these gaudy, striking
flowers are open at once it is impossible to describe the brilliancy of the
bush.

The leaves are small in comparison to the flower; they are smooth,
with sharp points, and very serrated edges.

This is such a large and extensive genus that almost every shade of
colour and hue may be found in it, and when several varieties are near
each other the effect is very lovely, and other plants appear thrown into
the shade.

.

TECOMA TASMINOIDES:

TECOMA VELUTINA.
NATURAL ORDER, BIGNONIACEE.

AC RACEFUL as all the Indian climbers are, it would perhaps be
“s} difficult to find any which are more so than the two now before
us, the foliage, growth, and lovely flowers all tending to
captivate the eye and please the senses.

The glossy light foliage which distinguishes all the Tecoma plants

is worthy of notice, and the subjects of our illustration are no excep-
tion to the rule.

There are six varieties, two of which are either stunted trees‘ or
scandent shrubs, whilst those given in the present plate are unquestion-
ably climbers. “Tecoma Jasminoides,” the white variety, is a lovely
object with its corymbs of white flowers and deep pink centre; the
delicate flowers hang in loose bunches, and droop amongst the shining
wax-like foliage.

The foliage, as its name implies, is very like that of a jasmine,
consisting of five or seven leaflets, growing in pairs on a thin, green
stalk.

‘Tecoma Velutina,” the primrose-coloured variety, is Sq
beautiful, except perhaps that the leaves are not quite so graceful.

These flowers are funnel-shaped, of a pale, delicate, primrose colour;
they fade very quickly.

The stamens, which grow quite at the back of the flower, have a
singular appearance, and, when seen through its semi-transparent tube,
look like a spider or some flat insect therein imbedded.

The leaves of this variety are lanceolate and vary from two to five
inches in length, serrated at the edges. ‘Tecoma Radicans’’ is,
perhaps, the commonest variety of these shrubs; it is a sprawling bush
with pretty delicate foliage, and bright orange scarlet flowers of a tube-
like shape.

The propagation of this variety is more easily accomplished, as
it takes root wherever the branches touch the ground.

I am not aware of these plants being mentioned in any botanical
book as useful, either medicinally or for other purposes.

To be seen to advantage these plants should be trained to hang over
a trellis-work, so that the handsome heads of blossom may be allowed to
droop gracefully, whilst the pretty foliage soon covers the ugly wooden
frame.

The orange variety spreads rapidly, and requires to be more
constantly pruned than the climbers, to prevent it from straggling and
choking other plants. In a bouquet the foliage of these plants ‘looks
very pretty, but the flowers soon wither when cut.

Lena Lowis del D Blair lith

Hanhart imp

TECOMA JASMINOIDES
‘ VELUTINA

Cit OR 1A. SE RIN ee
MUSSEL-SHELL CREEPER.

NATURAL ORDER, FABACE#.

wre |HIS lovely, delicate little creeper is one of the most common
and at the same time one of the most ornamental to be found
in our gardens.

The leaves are pinnate, with two or three pairs of oval leaflets. In
growth it is a rambling and untidy plant, spreading over bushes or
anything that comes in its way.

It is particularly slender and graceful, and hangs “its handsome
flowers, sparkling among the fine verdant green leaves,” in a most
charming manner.

There are three or four varieties of this beautiful plant; but with
regard to colour, none of them can equal the subject of our illustration.
The brilliant azure blue seems deeper and richer when seen amidst the
delicate green leaves. |

There is a double variety, which is of the same deep blue colour;
this is rather a rare species, and I find that Ferminger mentions, ‘‘it is
unnamed in the Calcutta Botanical Gardens,” in the year 1864. The
Clitoria is in blossom all the year, though during the rains it is much
more luxuriant and is then in its greatest perfection.

Roxburgh describes this flower as having the ‘‘Corolla supine ; banner
large expanding under the wings”’; he also says, ‘‘it is common in every
hedgerow all over India, and is in flower the greater part of the year.
Its root probably is not inferior to jalap.” The powdered seeds are
also used medicinally.

The seed-pod is very like a French bean, the seeds are small but
very abundant and very soon germinate; young plants come up self-
sown, and therefore no trouble is required in propagation. ‘The English
name, I imagine, has been suggested by its shape and deep colour, as it
recalls the rich look of a polished mussel-shell.

There is no scent from the Clitoria; it is usually treated as an
annual, for if left long in one place it becomes a complete jungle and
extends in all directions.

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CLERODENDR@N THOMSONES:

NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACE#.

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@=IHOEVER,” says Dr. Lindley, ‘shall investigate the true
73| distinctions between the beautiful species of Clerodendron
= with scarlet inflorescence, will find as ample a harvest of
coufaeion to be reaped as he can desire.” To these words every one
will assent who has in the smallest degree cultivated these handsome

flowers or attempted to classify or enumerate them.

I am a little doubtful as to the correctness of the above name for the
species exhibited in the Plate, but after careful study of various books
on the subject, the description given of ‘‘Clerodendron Thomsones”
is the one that tallies best with the plant before us.

It would be difficult to find anything that can surpass the great
loveliness of many of the species of this genus; they are also well known,
and may be found adorning every garden.

Unlike most of the other varieties, our present subject is a scandent
shrub, and might almost be denominated a climber. It requires a support,
and will spread over any bush or shrub close at hand.

The stems are a dark, almost purple colour, and the bright scarlet
flowers with their creamy calyxes droop most gracefully from the tips.

The extreme elegance and grace of this bush can hardly be imagined,
unless once beheld: during the cold weather, when in its greatest beauty,
it has a very fascinating and charming effect, appearing like a multitude
of creamy bells, tipped with bright scarlet tongues.

It is difficult to procure the seeds of this species, as they are light
and soon blown away, but as it takes well from cuttings, there is no
difficulty in raising young plants. Many of the other varieties throw up
young suckers very abundantly, which should be transplanted to prevent
too thick a growth of these plants.

The coral-crimson blossoms and handsome umbrella-like leaves of
the other varieties are well known, but the heads of flowers being over a
foot in length, they are quite beyond anything but a casual mention in
this work.

vy

Lena Lowis del. DBlair lith Hamhant amp

CLERODENDRON WERMS

THEVETIASNEREIPOLIA

NATURAL ORDER, APOCYNACEZ2.

Meceawe|1E Hindustani name for this flower is ‘‘ Zurd Kurnel,” which

probably originated in the strong resemblance between its
ZX | foliage and that of the Oleander, for that is also called by the
native es" Kurnel

The specimen in the illustration is the only one met with in India.
It is now a very common shrub in this country, but South America is its
native land.

Ferminger describes this plant in the following manner: ‘It is a
small, handsome, spreading tree, from eight to ten feet high; the flowers
are thimble-formed and bright yellow.” Owing to the leaves and flowers
growing at the extremity of the boughs this bush shows to greater
advantage if placed in a shrubbery, where its bare stems are hidden by
low bushes, and over which it can droop its clusters of shining bright
leaves and brilliant flowers.

Being very like a willow in growth, and having no trunk to speak of,
each bough appears to spring from the ground separately; like the willow,
also, it is often found on the banks of tanks, or overhanging water.

There is a powerful but rather sickly scent from the flowers, which is
unbearable to many people, and may account for the Thevetia being
seldom seen in a garden and considered only fit for a hedgerow.

-Like all the plants of this order, a thick milky juice exudes from any
part that is cut or broken; it is sticky and most disagreeable to the touch.

The flowers are very short-lived; expanding one day, they seem to
droop and fall off the next, covering the ground with their bright, golden
blossoms.

Young shoots are continually springing and shooting up, so that
propagation is very easy; and, in fact, if these young plants are not thinned
out or removed, a small forest soon arises. It bears seed abundantly,
the shape of nuts, and may also be raised by them. os

From these seeds a clear yellow oil is extracted, but its uses and
properties are not yet determined.

In Major Drury’s valuable book on the ‘ Useful Plants,” &c., he
mentions that ‘‘the bitter and cathartic bark of the Thevetia is useful as

a febrifuge, having the same properties as cinchona.”
*

‘
Lena Lowis del D Blair lith

Mé:NHanhart imp

4

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"HEVE TIA NEREIFOLIA

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DURANT AS PLUMIERT.

NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACE#,

aa ROM what I can learn about this shrub there are only two

s| varieties of it known in India, but both are very common, and
seem to growin all parts of the country. I have classed it among
I the shrubs of India, and in so doing am supported by Ferminger
and other good botanical authorities ; but, notwithstanding this, I have
seen it attain to the height of a small tree, and possibly in an uncultivated
state it may grow considerably higher and larger still.

It is a showy, pretty bush, growing in a thick compact form, and
even when left unchecked it does not get straggling and unsightly as is
generally the case with the Flora of this country.

Constant pruning and cutting back, however, improves these bushes,
and should be unsparingly administered.

The leaves are bright and shining, and set the flowers off to great
advantage. Like many of the flowers of this order, taken singly they are
small and delicate, and might be passed over as insignificant ; but when
taken either in heads, like the ordinary Verbena, or in sprays, as in our
present subject, they are both striking and pleasing to the eye.

This shrub looks green and fresh at all times, as not being deciduous
it retains its leaves, and when the flowers fall they are succeeded by
bright amber-coloured berries, making it a pretty object throughout the
year. The berries are about the size of those of Holly, but each berry
hangs separate, a short distance from the stem, instead of in a compact
bunch upon the stalk, as is the case with Holly.

It is a common practice to make use of the Duranta as a hedge, for
which purpose it is admirably suited, being thick and thorny; but it must
be kept low, and never allowed to shoot upwards. When treated in the
same manner as Box-edging is done at home it becomes almost, if not
entirely, impenetrable.

The Duranta is a native of the West Indies, but it thrives in India
quite as well as many of the indigenous plants of that country.

It is propagated by either cuttings or seeds, of which latter it bears
abundantly.

Soil is of no importance to these plants, as, being very hardy, they
grow everywhere.

One botanist, in writing on the ‘ Duranta Plumieri,” states it has the
perfume of almonds, but I have never been able to discover any scent
about either of the varieties ; nor is the fact mentioned by other botanical
authorities.

The second variety of this shrub is called ‘‘ Duranta Ellisi,” and the
only perceptible difference between them is, that the flowers of this one
are white instead of blue.

From a utilitarian point of view the Duranta, as far as I know, is of
no use or importance ; it possesses no qualities to render it of any value
either in pharmacy or otherwise.

Lenahowis del DBlair bith Hanhart imp

DURANTA PLUMIERI

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QUISQUALIS INDICA.
RANGOON CREEPER.

NATURAL ORDER, COMBRETACE.

@e2,ERHAPS one of the most striking features in Indian horticulture
is the number and variety of climbers that are to be found
growing in the greatest luxuriance and profusion all over the
country.

In the accompanying plate is exhibited one of the commonest and,
at the same time, one of the loveliest of these climbers.

It is very luxuriant and rampant in its growth, and requires a strong
support, as well as constant and severe pruning.

To all Anglo-Indians this specimen will be well known, used, as it
often is, to form a screen to an ugly wall or offensive paling, on account
of its being always green and possessing dense foliage.

It is at its best during the hot season, when it affords a beautiful
spectacle with its masses of bloom, which, hanging in clusters of rich
profusion, completely conceal its ‘trunk and branches. The clusters
droop a long way from the parent stem.

This climber, when left long unchecked, will grow to a great height,
and has been known to cover the tops of high trees, where the loveliness
of its blossoms, mingling with the foliage of those trees over which it
roams, becomes greatly enhanced by force of contrast.

From the plate it will be seen that the leaves grow in pairs down
the stems, the end ones being of a dark brown or chocolate colour,
whilst the general tint of the leaves is that of a heavy, dull green. They
are also rough and slightly hairy to the touch.

One of the great peculiarities and sources of beauty of the plant
is that the flowers vary in tint. When first open in the early morning
they are a creamy white, but as they fade they turn crimson scarlet, so
that when the two are combined the beauty of the whole may be more
easily imagined than described.

A young tendril or shoot has also been represented in the illustra-
tion, and it is worthy of notice that the young leaves have the same
reddish hue before alluded to.

The scent of the Quisqualis is very sweet, but it is not always agree-
able near a house, and many persons on this account object to the
cultivation of it in their gardens. It is very powerful and is perceptible
at a great distance.

Chinese Honeysuckle or Rangoon Creeper are both names by which
it is known.

In the neighbourhood of Calcutta the flowers are much larger, and
wear a handsomer appearance than in other parts of India, which proves
that a damp, moist climate is conducive to its perfection.

The seeds of the plant are often used as a medicine.

Lena Lowis del D.Blar lith

M&NHanhart Tap

ACACIA FARNESIANA.
SWEET-SCENTED BABOOL.

NATURAL ORDER, MIMOSE#.

MHE accompanying plate exhibits what is, perhaps, hardly a
garden flower, but as it is very well known, and is certainly a
picturesque object, it may undoubtedly be classed among our
familiar flowers.

It is a small thorny jungle tree, but during the cold season, when in
blossom and covered with its soft bright yellow down-like flowers, it is
much to be admired. Ferminger describes the flowers as ‘‘tassel-like,
and of the size and form of a bullet.”

The delightful aromatic fragrance of these flowers is one of the
charms of having it in a hedge, and even after the flowers have been cut
some time the scent remains. It somewhat resembles the odour of
wallflower.

Roxburgh’s description of this shrub is as follows: ‘ Shrubby ;
thorns, stipulary; leaves, bipinnate; pinne, from four to five pairs;
leaflets, from ten to fifteen pairs; spikes, axillary; long-peduncled,
round ; colollebs, polyandrous ; legumes, turgid, with two rows of seeds
inclosed in pulp.”

The natives make use of this plant medicinally, considering the bark
efficacious in cases of fever and debility.

The blossoms and fine bipinnate leaves remind us of another species
of the Mimosee, viz., the ‘‘ Sensitive Plant,” so well known in this
country from the difficulty of eradicating it if it once takes root in a
garden. The tassel-like flowers, however, of this are pale pink.

The subject of our plate is constantly planted on the banks of tanks ;
its foliage is so light and pretty that it makes a great addition to the
otherwise ugly and barren sides.

The flowers are soon destroyed by wind or rain, but when in full
blossom fresh ones appear to burst open in such rapid succession that
the blaze of colour is perpetual and unvarying.

The different species of Acacia are so numerous that it would be
futile to attempt to enumerate them. Many are natives of Australia,
where, I hear, they are remarkable for the exquisite beauty of their
flowers and foliage.

In Ootacamund a few of the above varieties are found to thrive well,
but they are not suited to the climate of the plains.

The few that are indigenous to India are not attractive or pleasing,
being chiefly wild jungle bushes.

Lena l@wis delD Biaar lith

Hanhart imp

ACACIA FARNE SIANA

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THUNBERGIA EAURIPOLIA

NATURAL ORDER, ACANTHACE.

Ayseay,| ERE are numerous plants of this order in our Indian gardens.

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They have all lovely, showy flowers, and deserve a conspicuous

place in every parterre.

The mode of treatment is much the same for all the varieties,
that being, according to Ferminger, ‘‘ frequent renewal, transplantation
to fresh soil every fall or so, and close cutting in when the flowering
season is over.”

All the varieties of Thunbergia are essentially climbers, and are very
luxuriant and dense in their growth, sometimes covering ‘‘the loftiest
trees with a curtain of foliage so dense as when seen from a distance to
present the appearance of some ivy-clad ruin.”

The plant before us is a native of Burmah, but is now quite acclima-
tised to this country.

The white variety is very common, and may be found in hedges in an
uncultivated state. None of the varieties of this plant have any scent.

The capsules of the seeds are all of a remarkable beak-like shape ; the
seeds germinate quickly.

The soft lavender tint of these flowers is their great beauty, the lower
lip being marked with a darker shade; they are very short-lived, and fade
immediately on being plucked.

“Thunbergia Laurifolia” is too rampant to be placed anywhere but in
a garden, but the buff-coloured variety with a dark puce centre often
forms a pretty and effective decoration to the verandah, when planted in a
small tub with a bamboo circular trellis for it to twine amongst.

If the seed is planted at the beginning of the rains the young plants
will blossom well that year, though in a cultivated state it can be induced

to blossom all the year round.

LenaLowis del D.3lair lich

Hankart inc

THUNBERGIA LAURIFOLIA

POINSEMMASR UEC IE KR DViEae

NATURAL ORDER, EUPHORBIACE.

ay)

RHE accompanying flower will be known in England as a ‘‘ stove”

or hot-house plant, but the blaze of colour can never be imagined

from one or two plants seen in this way. .

It is one of India’s most showy, most gaudy, and most familiar
flowers, at least as far north as Agra, where it may be seen growing in

the gardens of the Taj.

The shrub grows to eight or ten feet; it is an untidy, spreading bush,

which requires much cutting back after it has blossomed.

The flowers are insignificant, about the size of a pea, bright yellow,
and surrounded by large, crimson, bractial leaves, which are the striking

part of the bush; they are limp and “ fleshy” to the touch.

During the cold season these brilliant leaves are in full splendour
and make a border very gay; they are often used to enliven Christmas
decorations, as Holly is at home. ,

As a rule the green leaves are very seldom to be seen with the bright
red bractial ones, but when grown in shade I have noticed the two
adorning the branches at once, and this is a great improvement.

I find Ferminger mentions that this plant is a native of Mexico.

It is very easy to propagate, as it takes quickly from cuttings.

The milky juice of all the Euphorbiacee is to be found in the
Poinsettia. I have never met any other variety, but Ferminger mentions
one with greenish-white leaves ; he, however, says, ‘it is not a striking

plant.”

VNIYHYSTHOTNd VILLYSNIOd

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YULSIRLY (LPP Simo vuay

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“ CONVOLVULUS PENTANTHUS.

NATURAL ORDER, CONVOLVULACE#.

g|O amateurs and learners of botany the differences and distinctions
of the Ipomza and Convolvulus tribes are very puzzling.

The shape of the flowers, the style, growth, and general appear-
ance of the plants are so similar that it is only those who have
studied minutely the construction of the flowers who can define the
distinction.

The above name is the one usually given to this fascinating creeper
by the generality of people, but Ferminger mentions that ‘‘ it is commonly
called ‘Ipomza Semperflorens.’”’

It is an annual, blossoming in the cold weather, when it is a lovely
sight with its bright azure-blue flowers spangled over the green leaves,
and often hanging in graceful festoons from a trellis or archway.

The young shoots are of a tender, pale green, tinged with pink,
slightly hairy ; the flowers grow at the end of thin, long stalks, several
buds being in a cluster.

The thin, twining stems twist themselves into a ‘“‘ gigantic tangle,”’
and add much to the free, natural look of the plant; it requires a support,
and does not thrive well if left to trail on the ground.

It is a common plant about Calcutta, and I have seen it in great
beauty in Chota Nagpote.

The stamens are small and black. The throat is flatter than most of
the Convolvulacee and is pure white. The flower has no scent and is only
useful as an ornament to the garden. It seeds profusely and can also be
propagated by division of roots.

The flowers wither and droop very quickly, but are soon replaced by
other buds opening, and at noon this little creeper presents a lovely sight
with its blaze of blossom open to the sun.

i

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NEAR Me OoDOak UM.

OLEANDER WROSES BAY.
NATURAL ORDER, APOCYNACEZ.

T would, perhaps, be difficult to find a plant better known, or
more familiar to the eyes of Anglo-Indians, than that in the
accompanying plate.

It is seen in its greatest perfection in the Upper Provinces,
also in the Deccan; but still it would be difficult to find any garden in
India where one species or the other was not thriving.

There are many varieties, single and double; but the single pink
one is certainly the most common, and the double white equally rare,

Ferminger thus discribes this bush: ‘A large spreading shrub, six
to eight feet high, throws up from the ground its numerous rod-like
stems, upon the summit of which is borne its foliage of narrow lanceolate
leaves, surmounted by a profusion of large cheerful flowers.”

During hot weather the Oleander is in most luxuriant blossom, espe-
cially when planted at the border of a tank or jheel. It requires no care,and
is easily propagated by layers or cuttings. It also yields seed abundantly.

Ainslie mentions that this shrub has many medicinal properties,
and that ‘‘ the root itself taken internally is a poison.”

It is also mentioned in Powell’s ‘‘ Punj Plants” ‘‘as containing a
poisonous resin in the root, also in the bark and flowers.”

The milky juice which exudes, when a leaf is broken or the stem
injured, will be well known to all who have once attempted to pluck
any part of the plant; it is of a milky whiteness, but is sticky and
disagreeable to the touch.

I have never seen these plants attain any larger dimension than
‘‘a large spreading shrub,” but I find several species mentioned by
Roxburgh as ‘ middling-sized trees,” and three or four as ‘“ climbers,”
or ‘“twining”’ ‘‘ scandent shrubs.”

‘‘Nerium Coccinzum,” he says, ‘in its native soil grows to be a
large timber tree: the wood white, remarkably light, but firm and much
used by turners to make palkees, &c., where light strong wood is required.”

From the same valuable source I again quote, regarding the ‘‘ Nerium
Pisidum”’: ‘‘ An extensive, perennial, woody climber, a native of Silhet
in Bengal. Its bark contains a quantity of fibrous matter, which the
natives of the country use as a substitute for hemp. In steeping some
of the young shoots in a fish pond in order to accelerate the removal of
the bark, and cleaning the fibres, many, if not the whole, of the fish were
killed, hence the specific name.”’—Roxburgh’s ‘“‘ Flora Indica.”

From the leaves of another species, Roxburgh attempted to make
indigo, picking the leaves when first opening; he has written a treatise
on the subject; but whether the industry has ever been extensively
developed I have never heard.

The growth of the shrub depicted in this plate has well been
described as a ‘cluster of rods,” each comes singly from the ground,
and if growing in the shade they are often drawn up to a great height
before expanding into leaves and flowers.

Lena Lowis del D Blair ith

Hanhart

GLORIOSS SUPERBA.

NATURAL ORDER, LILIACE#.

ANE of the most charming objects in our gardens during the rains
is the above plant; its variety of gay colours—bright yellow,

o— crimson, and chocolate—mingling in luxuriant profusion with
its shining green leaves.

It is a bulbous root, and is a native of most parts of India, growing
wild in the jungles, where it may be seen in great beauty growing over
the forest trees.

During the winter the roots lie dormant, springing up again directly
the rains set in.

It is necessary to give it some support, or the weight of its numerous
blossoms and luxuriant growth drags it to the ground.

The leaves are lanceolate, ending in a tendril of a vivid green; the
stalks are also bright green, very smooth and shining.

I append Ferminger’s description of these flowers: ‘‘ Bears during the
rains curiously formed flowers of long,
one-half deep crimson and one-half primrose colour on first opening, but
afterwards becoming altogether crimson.”

The propagation of the Gloriosa is very easy, as, like many of the
Liliacee, the bulbs multiply quickly ; in fact, when one plant is intro-
duced into a garden it very soon spreads in every direction, and often

narrow, inverted, twisted petals,

appears where it is not wanted.

‘“A salt is prepared from the roots of this lily, by repeated washing
and grinding, the white powder being bitter to the taste, but, when mixed
with honey, it is used medicinally.”

‘‘This plant may be known to some by the name of ‘Country or Wild
Aconite,’ as the native practitioners say it possesses the same properties
as the ‘ Aconitum Ferox.’” (Drury).

The root is a virulent poison.

There is a great enemy to the young shoots of the Gloriosa in the
shape of a bright green caterpillar; so great are the ravages of these
creatures, and so much do they appreciate the juicy, succulent, new
shoots, that if not watched and taken off they will leave the poor plant a
bare stalk.

I cannot find more than this one variety mentioned by any botanical
authorities as growing in India.

Lena Lowis del DBlairlith

Hanharz imo

GLORIOSA SUPERBA

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mY

BOUGATIN VTE Awe Gib Ads Ivar

NATURAL ORDER, NYCTAGINACE.

SIOTWITHSTANDING the many familiar flowers we have
‘| already noticed, there will hardly be one better known or
admired than the one now before us.

It is so associated with Indian horticulture, and is such
an ornament to almost every garden, that no work of this kind would be
complete without it. -

There are three varieties of this peculiar and lovely shrub, but
the one in the illustration is decidedly the most desirable to have in
a garden, as it is in constant blossom.

‘Bougainvillia Spectabilis” only flowers in February and March.

The appearance of these shrubs is dull and heavy, so far as the
foliage is concerned, for they are a dark blue-green, rather hairy and
very numerous.

At first sight the bush looks as if covered with a mass of magenta.
leaves, but on close inspection this proves to be a mistake.

The flowers themselves are small and of a pale yellow colour, and
the brilliant magenta that is the ornament of the bush is from the
bracteal leaves which envelop the flowers, for there are generally more
than one growing out of the same stalk.

When in full blossom the beauty of the bush can well be imagined,
affording, as it does, a perfect blaze of colour set off by the dark
green leaves.

These plants are very easily propagated by cuttings, either in
sand or light mould, but making layers is equally successful.

There is no perceptible difference between the varieties when they
are in blossom, as they are all then handsome attractive bushes.

It has often been remarked that Indian flowers are of a more
gaudy and resplendent colouring than those English ones, and the
specimen before us bears out this idea.

The brilliancy and vividness of the colours must be very striking
to those who have not been long in the country. ;

All the varieties of this plant are very common in India, and may
be seen in nearly every garden, where they grow in great luxuriance,
especially in Calcutta.

From the plate it will be seen that the flower is a small yellow star
at the end of a long narrow tube. One of the distinguishing features
of this specimen is that it has thorns all up the stems.

There is no seed to be obtained from these plants that I am aware
of; the flowers drop off without forming any.

This particular kind was known only in the Calcutta Horticultural
Gardens until quite lately, but the other varieties are common all over
India.

It grows well in any soil, but whether indigenous to India or not
has never been ascertained.

It possesses no medicinal properties.

H

anhart imp

BOUGAINVILLIA GLABRA

BAW EEN TAS eAGi WiIN AWA:
MOUNTAIN EBONY.

NATURAL ORDER, CSALPINEA.

HE plant now before us belongs to a very extensive genus, all the
varieties of which are remarkable for the peculiar form of their
leaves, which are like two oval leaflets united at the base. Fer-
SaoskS minger tells us that the genus, ‘‘in consequence of this twin-like
union, has been fancifully named after the two brothers Bauhin.” They
were well-known French navigators. The variety depicted in the plate isa
shrub or small tree about ten feet high, nearly always in blossom, being a
pleasing object with its numerous pure white flowers.

There is little resemblance between the flowers of the various species
of this extensive genus, but they are all exquisitely beautiful, both in colour
and form.

? ?

‘Bauhinia Variegata,”’ called by the natives ‘‘ Kuchnar,” is a large
tree, having a trunk about the size of a man’s body; it blossoms in
February, and is then an object of great splendour. The flowers are
purple and white, large and handsome, and having a great resemblance
to those of a pelargonium. Many of the species have sulphur-coloured
flowers speckled with purple.

Both medicinally and economically the Bauhinia plants are invalu-
able. ‘‘ Bauhinia Tomentosa” Drury mentions as being used by doctors,
while the leaves of various species are also valuable for a decoction made
from them. ‘The seeds are eaten, and said to be a tonic.

One of the most remarkable of this genus is, I think, ‘‘ Bauhinia
Vahlii.” It is a climber of great extent, covering tree after tree with its
large leaves, until a whole wood or ‘‘ Tope” becomes shaded by it. The
flowers are cream-coloured with purple spots, and hang in spiral-like
bunches. The trunk of this species was the thickness of a man’s thigh
in our garden, and the leaves I have sometimes seen nearly a foot in
diameter.

‘In the northern districts of the ‘Circars’ the leaves are sold in the
bazaars for various purposes, such as plates and packages. Ropes are
made from the bark. The natives boil and then beat it, which makes it
soft and pliable. The ropes have been occasionally used for suspension
bridges over the mountain torrents in the Himalayan valleys.” (Rogh.
Fib. Plants.)

I find Roxburgh has described this variety under the name of
‘Bauhinia Racemosa,” and says: ‘It is a native of all the mountainous
parts all over India, where it runs over the highest trees.” He also
mentions that the seeds are flat, smooth, and brown. They are eaten
‘raw; when ripe the taste is like that of cashew nuts.

mp

Hanhart

4

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ARGYREIA NERVOSA.
ELEPHANT CREEPER.

. NATURAL ORDER, CONVOLVULACE#.

iplewe|HE English name of this plant gives a very fair idea of the size
z and magnitude to which it grows. Ferminger has briefly de-
_ AX | scribed its luxuriant and massive growth as follows: “It is quite
unmanageable in a garden unless it can be trained up some tree or out-
house.”

Roxburgh has a description of this plant under the name of “ Lett-
somia Nervosa,” and mentions a rather strange occurrence, viz., that he
‘‘had some seeds sent him from England called ‘Convolvulus Speciosus,’
but which produced this identical plant. Stigma, &c., perfectly the same
as in the original Bengal plant.”

It is a native of forests and hedges, and is one of the largest species
of convolvulacee known.

The leaves are heart-shaped, and grow to a large size; they are
smooth on the upper side, with parallel veins, and have a beautiful silky
down underneath. The stems also are covered with silky down, and are
of a pretty cream colour.

The umbels of the flowers are deep and very large. They generally
grow in bunches, and the “ bractes” “many, large, oval, white, waved,
pointed, and caducous.” (Roxb.)

It is these white, crinkled-looking bractes which are one of the
characteristics of the plant. They form a beautiful contrast to the dark
handsome flowers.

It blossoms in Bengal during July and August, and seeds profusely.

I have seen it growing over a skeleton shed made of cross bars of
wood, but during the time it was at the height of its perfection the shed
had the appearance, when inside, of being thickly thatched, from the
luxuriant and heavy growth of this plant.

During the cold weather it casts its leaves and looks equally bare
and deplorable.

Major Drury mentions that this plant grows in the Malabar forests
and in hedges in the Peninsula. He also states, quoting Ainslie and
Gibson, that it is useful in pharmacy, the native doctors making different
uses of the upper and under parts of the leaves.

For industrial purposes the ‘‘ Elephant Creeper” does not appear to
be conspicuous, as far as I can ascertain.

LenaLowis dei. Slair ich

ARG YR WA NERVOSA:

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NATURAL ORDER, EUPHORBIACEZ#.

SMALL, succulent, thorny stem and Cactus-like plant, always
in blossom, but particularly in the hot season, with its flat
quadrangular, very symmetrical trusses of most brilliant ver-

se ~=milion flowers.” Thus writes Ferminger in his usual concise
and pointed manner.

This plant is frequently used as an edge or bordering; it is then
kept close to the ground, and when in full blossom the dazzling scarlet
flowers show to great advantage against the dark stems and shining
leaves.

It is most easily propagated by cuttings and grows anywhere,
though a mixture of charcoal in the soil is said to improve it. The
thorns render it an impenetrable hedge and are a great feature of the
plant; they grow in profusion down the stem, and are often more than
an inch long.

The milky juice of the Euphorbia Order will be well known to all
cultivators of flowers and lovers of horticulture, and this specimen is
no exception; the sticky, disagreeable liquid flows abundantly where
any part of the bush is broken, and leaves a stain on the hands or on
anything on which it may drop.

I find many of the Euphorbia mentioned in Major Drury’s ‘“ Useful
Plants of India,” as of use both medicinally and for industrial purposes.
‘From the milk of ‘Euphorbia Cattimandor,’” he says, ‘(a strong cement
is made; it is also employed as an outward application for rheumatism.”
‘‘ Specimens of the gum from this plant,” he adds, ‘‘were sent to the
great Exhibition in 1851, as well as to the Madras Exhibition.”

It will generally be admitted, I think, that ‘‘ Euphorbia Jacquiniflora”’
is one of the most showy varieties, but it is not so universally known
or so hardy to plant as the one in the picture. It is generally grown in
pots and not in open ground; when in full blossom it is very dazzling
and brilliant, ‘with a profusion of small, dazzling vermilion flowers,
from the extremity of and all down its long, smooth, slender, twig-like
stems.” (Ferminger.)

In one season the branches of this variety have been known to be
about seven feet long.

A sunny position is requisite to the growth of these plants, and
they often damp off if exposed to too much rain and under the shade
of large trees.

BIGNONIA VENUSTA.

NATURAL ORDER, BIGNONIACEZ.

AHE brilliant appearance this creeper exhibits when in full
blossom, in the months of February and March, cannot be
described.

The branches of tubular orange-coloured flowers, drooping amidst
the bright, shining leaves, form a lovely spectacle.

It requires a strong support, and will often climb up high trees.
The lower stems have a bare and unsightly appearance, if the plant is
allowed to get too straggling in its growth; it should, therefore, be:
severely pruned to keep it within bounds.

The tubular throat is sometimes two inches long, while the lip is
curved back, exposing the green stamens.

There are some eight or ten flowers on each bunch, and when the
entire plant is covered with these gorgeous heads of blossom, it presents
a perfect blaze of colour, and is most ornamental.

It is a native of India, and may be seen in all parts. If allowed to
trail on the ground it will send out roots at the joints of the leaves,
forming young plants.

The usual mode of propagation, however, is by cuttings, which
take most readily. The young tendrils are of a pale, greenish colour,
very soft and pretty.

I cannot find any flower of this name in Roxburgh, but his
description of ‘“‘ Bignonia Grandiflora”’ so agrees with this that I think
they must be identical.

Many of the Bignoniacee are large and handsome trees, but these I
have never seen. Roxburgh mentions one, ‘‘ Bignonia Undulata,” which
has the same coloured flowers as our specimen; but it is a large tree, with
trunk as thick as a man’s thigh.

There is another pretty variety, called by Ferminger ‘‘ Bignonia
Incarnata.” It is almost white, with a deep lilac or purple inside the
throat.

The leaves of this specimen are heart-shaped, some being three
or four inches long, smooth, and very numerous.

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BARTERIA CRISTATA:

NATURAL ORDER, ACANTHACE#.,

N some parts of India this plant and many of the same species

are found growing wild and most luxuriantly in the jungles.

It is, however, so ornamental that it deserves a place in
every garden; the bush is of a compact and pleasing growth, and when
in blossom forms an agreeable spectacle, but unfortunately it soon loses
its pretty appearance, as the delicate flowers droop and wither very quickly,
and a shower of rain spoils them at once.

During the cold weather it grows in great luxuriance in the jungles

about Chota Nagpore, and Roxburgh says ‘‘it grows wild in the forests

of Silhet.”

The long throat-like corolla of the flower is of a paler colour than the
lips.

There are some varieties of the Barlerias which bear their flowers on
wheat-like heads, each flower growing out of a division of the so-called
wheat. One of these I have seen growing to a great extent, the stems
being erect and the flowers a deep crimson. Another has a pale orange
flower; this is a smaller plant, and is often kept as a pot plant to decorate
verandahs.

The juice from the leaves of this variety ‘‘is given to children in

fevers. The ashes of the burnt plant are also used medicinally.”—A inslie.
The easiest mode of propagation is by division of roots; the seed so

soon drops or is blown away that it is difficult to gather it.

I never tried cuttings, but I daresay that would answer very well.

Lena Lowrs del D Blair hth Hanhart imp

BARLERIA CRISTATA

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QUAMOCLIT PENNATUM.

NATURAL ORDER, CONVOLVULACE.

g4|HIS climber, which becomes almost a weed when once introduced
2| into a garden, is an annual. During the rains it is in great
beauty, and its bright green, feathery foliage is spangled over
by the cheerful starlike flowers.

It is of a twining, grasping nature, and woe betide any unfortunate
sapling or tender bush which comes into its clutches, for it will be
completely smothered in the embrace of the Quamoclit.

The slender stems are of a bright green colour and succulent nature,
the leaves of the same bright green colour and very finely divided, while
the flower is of a vivid scarlet or pure white; for there are two varieties.

When these two varieties are growing together, the beauty and
brightness of the combination may be imagined.

‘“When trained up a pole,’ remarks Ferminger, “this plant, as
seen from a distance, has somewhat the effect of a Cypress.”

‘Quamoclit Phoeniceum” has very similar flowers to those of our
picture; but the leaves are totally different, as they are thick and heavy,
and of a heart shape. This species flowers during the cold weather.
It is also a vigorous and aspiring climber.

Students of Roxburgh and Willis will find this plant classed as
‘““Ipomea Quamoclit,” and the Natural Order given as ‘“ Lettsomiz” ;
but to the general botanist, I think the name at the head of this paper
will be the most familiar.

This delicate, fragile-looking plant is found almost in every part of
India, and is so easily propagated by seeds scattered by the wind, that it
has often to be pulled up as a weed.

I cannot find it alluded to in Drury, Ainslie, or other authorities as
useful, either medicinally or economically, and so conclude it is only
ornamental to our gardens.

Lewis del D Blair lith

QUAMOCLI

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OPUNTIA,Y ULGARIS.
PRICKLY PEAR. INDIAN FIG.

NATURAL ORDER, CACTACE.

FIND that this, like most of the Cactacez, is a native of South
America, and that Dr. Voigt states it had been introduced into
Lower Bengal, but had never flowered. Possibly the climate

cHere is too damp, for further north and in Chota Nagpore it blossoms

most profusely.

It is a large, spreading, ramous bush, with thick, succulent, oval
leaves, covered with numerous needle-like spines which spring from
bunches of fine, penetrating hairs.

The thorns or spines are very sharp, about an inch or more in length,
of a whitish colour except the tip; the small bristles or fine hairs are
detached with the slightest touch, and being so fine are almost impercep-
tible, but give great pain and inconvenience if once they have penetrated
the skin.

The flowers are of a beautiful bright yellow colour, proceeding from
the edges of the thick succulent leaves. The outer petals are tipped with
carmine.

I find the following interesting note concerning this flower in Fermin-
ger: ‘‘A description of Cactus, which bears a large, pear-like fruit covered
with sharp needle-like spines. On cutting open the thick, succulent rind
of the fruit, a jelly-like pulp is found, which, though of little flavour, is cool
and refreshing. It is sold in immense quantities in Egypt, where the poor
almost live upon it.”

Roxburgh, too, has given a very minute account of this plant under
the name of “‘ Cactus Indicus’”’; he mentions that the ‘‘ Cochineal insects
lately brought from America thrive and multiply upon this plant.”

The natives often make use of this prickly bush as a garden fence,
and a very impregnable one it is, as can well be imagined.

One leaf placed in loose mould or silver sand will soon grow and
send out shoots.

The Cactaceze are generally considered to belong almost exclusively
to America, but as many varieties grow wild in the jungles in this country
they must have been naturalised at a very early period.

lena Lowis del D Blair lith

OPUNTIA VULGARIS

BEAUMONTIA GRANDIFLORA.

NATURAL ORDER, APOCYNACE#.

@ |HIS is one of the most magnificent climbing shrubs to be met

with in this country.

The stems are thick and woody, and the foliage very dense,
the shape of the leaves somewhat resembling those of the laurel, but
larger and more deeply veined.

Ferminger remarks: ‘(It spreads over an immense space its dense
foliage-curtain of noble, verdant, oval leaves, nine inches in length and
four broad.”

The flowers also may have the title ‘‘noble” applied to them, for
they are truly magnificent. Of a beautiful pure white, and long trumpet
form, sometimes about six inches long, growing out of a brownish calyx.

There are several flowers close together, but seldom more than two
opening at the same time.

It blossoms in January, continuing to put forth its lovely white
flowers well into March, when the heat begins to wither the flowers.

It grows most rapidly. I planted one to cover an ugly well-pole, and
in a few months it had reached nearly to the summit, grasping the pole
with strong tendrils more like rope than anything else.

The most pleasing way of seeing this plant is growing over a mango,
or some large tree, when the beauty of its numerous trumpet-flowers and
large green leaves mingle well with those of the tree.

Being an evergreen is also an additional charm, as its leaves are
large, striking, and handsome, and look fresh and bright all the year.

The leaves are very large, sometimes even nine inches long and four
or five broad; the veins are well defined, and the texture of the leaf is
thick and leathery.

It has been quite impossible to do justice to this lovely plant in so
small a space, but being so well known, and met with in every garden, I
have not liked to omit it altogether.

The propagation of this plant is usually by cuttings, though it might

be raised from seeds.

Lena Lowis del. D. Blair hth Hanhar> umm

BEAUMO?D

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JATROPHASMULTIFIDA.

PHYSIC NUD CORAL Ee ANG:
NATURAL ORDER, EUPHORBIACEZ.

ZAIHIS plant belongs to the same genus as the Tapioca, the
“| botanical name of that being ‘‘ Jatropha Manihot.”

There is much resemblance in the growth of both bushes,
and in the palm-like, deeply serrated leaves, but the Tapioca
plant could never claim the name of ‘‘ coral” for its flowers, as they are
of a pale, yellowish colour.

The style and character of the leaves is shown in the plate, but they
grow so large that only a middling-sized one could be produced; they are
borne at the summit of a long, rod-like stem, a large cluster at the head
of each, with one bunch of these coral-like flowers shooting up from the
centre.

The whole has a very graceful, pleasing appearance, especially when
waving in the wind. It is necessary, however, to keep the bush pruned,
or the stems get too scraggy, and give a woody, ugly look to the plant.

The foliage is both the peculiarity and the ornament of this shrub,
from its long, much slit, and deeply cut lobes.

The trunk is short, dividing into the above-mentioned long, straight
branches or ‘“‘ rods,” which are of an ash-coloured bark.

The bright red coral flowers are insignificant in themselves, though
when numerous bunches are out at once they give a pretty, spangled look
to the bush.

The seed is of a round, bullet shape, described by Ferminger as a
‘large nut.” These it bears profusely, and when turning ripe and yellow
they look very bright and pretty.

I cannot find this particular species mentioned anywhere as being of
use medicinally, but from the roots and juice of other varieties oil and
medicines are extracted. When writing of the ‘“‘Jatropha Manihot,” Drury
remarks: “It is from the juice of this plant that the Red Indians in
South America prepare the most deadly mandioc poison with which they
tip their arrows ; this is procured by distillation, and it is said that thirty
drops will cause the death of a human being in six hours.”

‘“The pale or whey-coloured juice,” says Dr. Roxburgh, ‘‘ which
exudes from a fresh wound of this plant is employed by the Hindoos to
remove films from the eyes.”

Like all members of the Euphorbiacez order, this plant exudes a
milky juice when broken. It is met with in almost every part of India,
but Coromandel and Travancore appear to be its favourites.

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